The Los Angeles Dodgers opened postseason play with a 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series at Dodger Stadium.
While pitching was the theme in Wednesday’s matchup, a combination of plate discipline and timely hits allowed the Dodgers to take an early advantage. They jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning following a pair of bases-loaded walks by Will Smith and AJ Pollock.
L.A. was able to extend its lead in the bottom of the second after Chris Taylor and Mookie Betts hit back-to-back doubles to begin the inning. From that point on, the Brewers’ bullpen largely kept the Dodgers lineup in check.
However, that wasn’t the case in the seventh, as Corey Seager provided insurance with a solo home run to extend the Dodgers’ lead to 4-2. “The lineup’s deep,” Seager said.
“It’s not just us (Mookie Betts and Seager), there’s guys all the way through the lineup that can do damage. They take good at-bats, take walks, take our hits. The first inning was a huge inning for us; we took our walks, scratched some runs.
“Second inning, hit back-to-back doubles. That’s how you win a lot of games.”
Seager, who enjoyed a stellar regular season, finished his night with the one hit in three at-bats, but also drew a walk and scored two runs.
The Dodgers now are in position to advance to the NL Division Series with another win against an undermanned Brewers team. “They’re a tough team,” Seager cautioned. “Really good bullpen, good position players that take good at-bats. This isn’t anything to be taken lightly.
“The playoffs in general are nothing to be taken lightly. It doesn’t matter who it is. You’ve got to go out there and play good baseball.”
Seager, Roberts note difference in Game 1 compared to regular season
Despite the fact that fans have not been allowed to attend games at Dodger Stadium this year, Seager noted a different feeling in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series compared to the regular season.
“A little,” he said when asked if Game 1 had different vibes. “Obviously you know it’s a postseason game, you know it matters more, so there’s definitely a little more adrenaline.
“This is the first time in a while it was definitely weird not having fans, so a little tougher on that in the beginning. You kind of re-lock it in, re-focus and go about your business. It was definitely a little different but it’s what we’re doing and what you have to do.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared a similar opinion. “It was different,” he said. “The main thing is the focus on the field was there.”
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